We will be keeping you up-to-date with all the breaking news for the county, and sharing with you some of our top stories from Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Tewkesbury, the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds.

Man found dead in hospital toilets had been there for three days

A 32 year old hospital patient who told staff he was popping outside for a cigarette was found dead in a toilet in the building three days later, a coroner heard today.

Jonathon Earp’s body was discovered in a locked public loo close to the entrance of Gloucestershire Royal Hospital’s tower block.

He had to be identified by his hospital bracelet and by his distinctive tattoos, the Gloucester deputy coroner David Dooley was told.

Jonathon Earp

Gloucestershire Police have ruled out foul play but have referred themselves to the Independent Police Complaints Commission because they had received a call expressing concern for Mr Earp’s welfare sometime after he disappeared from his ward.

The Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is conducting its own internal investigation.

Weather warnings updated

This is an update to the warning for wind and rain issued yesterday to include the risk of some exceptionally torrential rain.

A spell of heavy rain and strong winds could lead to difficult travel conditions, as the summer holiday season starts for some.

Standing water and spray may make journeys longer, and could lead to local flash flooding. Winds could be sufficiently strong to cause some bridge restrictions, and bring down trees very locally. Conditions could also be hazardous for those engaged in outdoor activities

14:26

Part of Cleeve Hill has been closed due to a collapsed sewer.

The closure of the key road in the Cotswolds has caused havoc for commuters with bus services severely delayed.

Police statement after crash:

Roads in the area were closed for about five hours to allow collision investigators to work at the scene. They have now re-opened. PC Kurt Ravenhill said: “I am aware that the road closures caused delays for motorists making their normal daily journeys as well as those heading away on holiday, and I would like to thank them for their patience. “It is important when dealing with incidents of this nature that investigators are able to work carefully and thoroughly to make sure that nothing is missed and this, of course, takes time.” Police investigating the incident would like to hear from anyone who witnessed it or saw the vehicle before the collision occurred. Anyone with information is asked to call 101, or email quoting incident 55 of 21/07/17.

Man dies in A417 crash

A man died in a collision on the A417 near Cirencester this morning, Friday 21 July. The collision happened in the northbound carriageway near to the Dower’s Lane junction, and involved a blue Vauxhall Corsa which is believed to have left the offside lane of the A417 and overturned on to the road below. The driver, a 33 year-old man from Birmingham was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin have been informed.

More soon

12:51KEY EVENT

How is your broadband today? Virgin Media customers offline due to network glitch

Virgin Media customers in Cheltenham have had no broadband this morning after a network fault.

10 communities have been earmarked for the next phase of Fastershire

One customer in Up Hatherley was told her service would not be restored until Tuesday and has been frantically trying to find a wi-fi source because she works from home.

Appeal after injured black cat found

10:56KEY EVENT

Man charged with wounding with intent

A 23-year-old man will appear in court this morning in connection with an incident outside Betteridge Court, Chiltern Road, on Wednesday.

Michael Saunders, of Delavale Road, Cheltenham, was yesterday (20 July) charged with wounding with intent and possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed article in public. He is due to appear before magistrates in Cheltenham this morning. A 20-year-old man from Cheltenham who was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm has been bailed to return to a police station on 14 August.

10:53KEY EVENT

Warning after white van pair try to snatch dog from garden

Two men in a white van who tried to snatch a dog from a garden have prompted a vet surgery to issue a warning to owners about keeping their dogs secure in the summer.

The Labrador was targeted while in the owner’s garden but the thieves did not get away with the pet, The George Veterinary Hospital said.

Crash on A417

Severn crossings tolls to be axed next year

Road tolls on bridges across the River Servern are to be scrapped next year.

Welsh Secretary said: “The decision to abolish the Severn tolls next year sends a powerful message to businesses, commuters and tourists alike that the UK government is committed to strengthening the Welsh economy.

“By ending tolls for the 25m annual journeys between two nations, we will strengthen the links between communities and help to transform the joint economic prospects of south Wales and the south-west of England.

“I want to ensure that visitors and investors know what Wales has to offer socially, culturally and economically. Most importantly, I want the world to know how accessible we are to business.”